"‘Dongbu Detention Center Was Built During MB Era’ Statement by Choo Mi-ae... Kim Geun-sik Calls It ‘Ultimate Blame Game’"

Kim Geun-sik, chairman of the People Power Party's Songpa-byeong district committee (professor at Gyeongnam University), criticized Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae for mentioning 'overcrowding of inmates' regarding the group infection at Dongbu Detention Center through a post on Facebook. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Nana] Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae mentioned "overcrowding" in the Dongbu Detention Center COVID-19 outbreak during the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting, drawing criticism from Kim Geun-sik, the People Power Party Songpa-byeong District Committee Chairman (Professor at Gyeongnam National University), who said, "She cannot admit her mistakes."

On the 9th, Kim posted on his Facebook, stating, "Masks were not provided to inmates, asymptomatic individuals were not isolated, rapid mass testing was delayed, and ultimately, both quarantine and human rights were ignored simply because they were prisoners," adding, "(The Dongbu Detention Center outbreak) was effectively neglected and constitutes criminal negligence."

He continued, "The Moon Jae-in administration cannot admit its mistakes as mistakes," and added, "They focused solely on undermining Yoon Seok-youl while neglecting correctional administration."

Furthermore, he harshly criticized, "Minister Choo's arrogance, stubbornness, and blaming others persist," calling her "the king of abusive language and the ultimate blame-shifter."

Earlier, Minister Choo stated at the full meeting of the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee held the previous day regarding the COVID-19 spread at Dongbu Detention Center, "We followed the quarantine authorities' guidelines," and said, "I apologize for the criticism regarding the Dongbu Detention Center incident during the third wave, but the fundamental cause is overcrowding. All detention centers currently have occupancy rates exceeding 130-140%."

She also mentioned former President Lee Myung-bak, who constructed the ultra-high-density detention facilities during his administration.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.